Stores like Buc-ee’s aren’t the only one with a cult following, and a new one is coming within a day-trip’s distance from Augusta.

Trader Joe’s is opening seven new grocery stores including one in Columbia, SC. Here’s what we know:

Where is Trader Joe’s in Columbia, SC?

The new location will be built at 275 Harbison Blvd. while there is already another location at 4516 Forest Dr.

When does Trader Joe’s in Columbia, SC open?

As of Wednesday, an opening date has not been announced for the new location. The Columbia store that’s already running is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What is Trader Joe’s known for?

Similar to its distant relative Aldi’s, Trader Joe’s has a large selection of affordable, non-name brand groceries. They are also known for having particularly unique items and a popular collection of private-label products. The ambiance is also very singular as Trader Joe’s boasts especially friendly staff in a bright, tropically-decorated market.

Is Trader Joe’s hiring?

As of Wednesday, Trader Joe’s job portal had no openings for the Columbia locations.

How many Trader Joe’s are in Georgia?

There are currently nine Trader Joe’s open in Georgia with a 10th slated to open sometime this year in Peachtree City. They are largely around the metro Atlanta area and Athens, the closest Georgia location to Augusta. For more info, go to locations.traderjoes.com/ga/.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 2025 Georgia-South Carolina Reproductive and Maternal Health Summit was hosted at Augusta University to address issues surrounding maternal health.

Panelists at the summit included Georgia State Senator Harold Jones II, who represents parts of Richmond County.

Tuesday’s summit was a discussion of advocacy and action.

We heard from experts about why it’s important for women to make their voices heard.

“We need to be more politically active. We need to work together as a group and as a team. We need to be less divided, and we have to continue to work to improve maternal health,” said Katie Chubb, founding director of Augusta Birth Center.

For fathers, she says being loving, supportive and attentive after the birth of a child goes a long way.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Family members and local residents are searching for answers after an apparent domestic dispute ended with the murder of a 37-year-old and her mother in an Augusta parking lot.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says 37-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and 74-year-old Elizabeth Cui Domingo, both of Evans, died from gunshot wounds on Sunday evening.

A memorial stands at the scene in their honor. Saying, ‘forever in our hearts,’ ’You will forever be missed,’ ‘I love you’ and ‘Fly high, Mom.’

Ever since the incident, social media has been flooded with posts, even outside of Augusta, wondering why and how this could have happened.

Melissa Domingo’s ex-husband is set to face charges for Sunday night’s double murder, which happened just days after she was cleared of charges for shooting the suspect three years ago in what a court found was self-defense.

In August, a judge granted Melissa Domingo immunity in the case after she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, battered person disorder and other problems from years of abuse and control.

The suspect, 37-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh, suffered in Sunday’s incident and was taken to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, where he is listed as stable.

The deadly shooting was reported at 6:12 p.m. Sunday outside the store on Walton Way Extension. The Domingos were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m.

According to previous reports, Talebzadeh and Melissa Domingo were married but got divorced in November 2024, court records show.

Deputies responded to the scene within minutes of the first call.

While on the scene, they found the mother and daughter suffering gunshot wounds.

A young child, Melissa’s 6-year-old son, was present but not injured. Augusta Fire Department firefighters and deputies remained with him until child welfare workers arrived.

“Our hearts go out to the child who was present during this senseless tragedy,” Sheriff Eugene Brantley said in a statement. “No child should ever have to experience such trauma. As a community, we must come together to support him and others who are affected.”

“Based on witness statements and camera evidence, investigators have determined this was a domestic-related incident. Currently, there is no known threat to the public,” said Lewis Blanchard, chief deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

It appeared to be custody exchange, but that’s not official.

Witnesses say the shooting occurred near the back of the parking lot.

Multiple police and unmarked cars responded to the scene, along with emergency medical crews.

Along with deputies, the Georgia State Patrol aviation unit also responded to the scene.

“Violence is never the answer to our problems—it only leaves behind grief, pain, and broken families,“ Brantley said. ”The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with our community to prevent violence and ensure safety for every resident.”

Once released from the hospital, Talebzadeh will be transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Deputies said warrants are being obtained on Talebzadeh for murder.

Family, friends and co-workers describe Melissa as a devoted mother, daughter and sister. And they describe Elizabeth as someone gentle, loving and devoted to her church.

In a statement, Belair Dental Associates, where Melissa worked, said:

“We are heartbroken to share that a tragic incident occurred outside of our office that claimed the lives of one of our team members and their mother. Our entire dental family is devastated by this loss, and our hearts go out to their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”

On Facebook, they also said the loss has tremendously affected their team and their office will be temporarily closed, allowing those close to Melissa and Elizabeth to mourn this unexpected loss.

If you or someone you know is in danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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